Board reports are a critical element of a company’s overall governance. As a governing board the board’s role is to provide advice and oversight, and to ensure Board resolutions that the company’s many departments are going in the correct direction. A well-written and thoughtful report is an opportunity to showcase this.

Board members are juggling many responsibilities, and the hours they’ve set aside for board meetings are precious. It’s important to make use of their time, and to present an easy-to-read, concise report.

To accomplish this, the report to the board should begin by outlining any important metrics that are relevant to the company’s objectives and goals. These might be financials, such as growth or profits, but they can also contain more detailed data like new user signups, hiring rates, patent applications, or product data. These must all be put within the context of your business’s strategy, so that your board can gain important insight into how the business is doing.

Next, discuss any future developments or changes that require the board’s financial backing or approval. This is a great opportunity to encourage your board to think about the future. Be sure to give an overview of the main points and the next steps. Also, be specific about any risks or challenges that may arise.